Term 3, Week 6 2022 Newsletter
Principal's Message
What a beautiful Stage One Mass last week. It's lovely being back celebrating together in the church and mixing with parents, families and parishioners. At Mass, Fr David spoke about being grateful for what we have and our prayer at school assembly yesterday focussed on Gratitude and each day thinking of five things for which we are thankful. Common themes centred on family, friends, our caring teachers and living in such a beautiful part of the world. Today our Stage Three students represented the school at the Tweed District Gala day. All students participated enthusiastically with our representative soccer and netball teams performing well against some tough opposition. Stage Three travel to Brisbane next week for their long awaited overnight excursion. School is always busy but learning continues to be fun and engaging.
Uniform and Student Behaviour
In recent weeks we have been reminding students at school assemblies about the importance of consistent respectful behaviour and the wearing of the correct school uniform at all times. We make no apologies for having high expectations at St Finbarr’s to ensure that all students take responsibility for their actions and their personal appearance when at school, on excursions or travelling to and from school. Where necessary, individual reminder letters have been sent to parents in this past week. Thank you for your support and please contact me if you have any concerns, suggestions or queries regarding school policy in this area.
Survey
Thanks to the 60 families who have completed the school survey which was sent out via email. The survey remains open until 31st August.
Vinnies Appeal Byron Bay Conference
Everyday at the St Vincent de Paul Society, we see that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference in their local communities.
Our volunteers are inspired by the joy within our Community and our Churches Social teaching that doing things does matter. The desire to feed, heal, shelter, nurture and inspire - the power to change lives - this Spirit is in everyone.
As we continue with our lives in the shadow of coronavirus, flood and the winter season your commitment to helping those experiencing disadvantage, poverty, loneliness and homelessness is still very much needed and appreciated.
The Byron Conference would also like to acknowledge and say thank you to Sonya Piccoli and the school community for their wonderful efforts during the Mini Finnies winter appeal.
If you would like to become a volunteer with the Conference from as little as a few hours a month to weekly it would be greatly appreciated and the details are as follows:-
There are several ways to donate
- Online at Vinnies website https://donate.
vinnies.org.au/winter-appeal - Use current donation envelopes, (usually left at church, Place with offerings. It goes to Jayne at parish office and then to Sue
- At any vinnies shop
- Contact Jona on 6621 5835 who can ensure it goes to local region or conference.
- Contact Robyn McIntyre on 0477550336 if you would like to volunteer for the Byron Bay Conference
From Trish for Vinnies Appeal Byron Bay Conference
Class Parent meeting
This FRIDAY at 10am at school. Planning for Father’s Day. All welcome
Father’s Day Wednesday 7.30 start. Assembly and Liturgy 9.15am
Yours in Partnership,
Mr Tim Bleakley
Principal
A few Gala Day Pics more to follow next newsletter
Teaching & Learning
Book Week - Vocabulary Parade
It’s Book Week and this year we are super excited to be hosting a VOCABULARY PARADE on Friday 26th August.
Students are invited to select an interesting word and find things at home that would help them dress up as their chosen piece of vocabulary. We ask that students also have their word written either on their costume or displayed around their neck - they may even like to also write the definition of the word too.
Parents are invited to join us for the parade which will be held first thing in the morning at 9am in the undercover area. We have created a path around the seated undercover / assembly area so we ask that parents find a seat and settle in for the big show.
Parents and guests are then invited to join the students in the classrooms until 10am, for some shared reading and or writing experiences. This will be an opportunity to celebrate books, stories, words and a love of vocabulary.
Vocabulary Parade Ideas
NAPLAN
We have had a number of inquiries about NAPLAN results. We have been notified that the individual student reports will be dispatched to schools towards the end of Term 3. As soon as we have received these we will distribute them to you.
Yours in Partnership,
Mrs Lauren Magnus
AP Teaching & Learning
Mission
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Action Day
On Friday the 12th of August, the students of St Finbarr’s celebrated an action day in recognition of our beautiful Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. The aim of the day was to act on Mary’s famous quote, “Never see a need without doing something about it”, by doing something about it! Students dressed up in their Winter Woolie’s and were asked to donate to the St Vincent De Paul Society’s Winter Appeal, assisting them to support the homeless and disadvantaged people in our local areas who need our help.
The day was a wonderful success with the amazing students and families at St Finbarr’s digging deep and raising $1467.25.
We sincerely appreciate the support of our Finnie's Community in helping us to contribute towards real and positive change for those in need.
School Masses
Last week, St Finbarr’s celebrated two beautiful masses. The Assumption Mass last Monday and on Friday, our Stage One students celebrated Mass along with lots of parents and members of our Parish. Mass is such an important part of our faith and is a time where we are able to gather together,as a loving and active response to celebrate God’s love for each of us.
Our Kindergarten students will be celebrating Mass on Friday the 2nd of September. As always, everyone is warmly invited to come along to celebrate Mass with the students. The Mass will be, Friday the 2nd of September 9:30am at St Finbarr’s Church Byron Bay.
First Holy Communion
Our First Holy Communion candidates attended Mass over the weekend, where in an enrolment ceremony with their families and members of the Parish they formally committed to their preparation for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.The students were warmly acknowledged by Father David who accepted their commitment to the program.
As a part of their sacramental preparation, the students will be acknowledged at weekend Masses in Byron Bay and Bangalow. Everyone is warmly invited to celebrate these Masses to join in prayer and show their support to our students and their families during this very special time.
Weekend Mass Times
St Finbarr’s Byron Bay St Kevin’s Bangalow
Saturday Evenings @ 6pm Sunday Mornings @ 9:30am
Father’s Day Liturgy
Father’s Day is almost upon us once again. We will start the day with our traditional Father’s Day Breakfast on Wednesday morning the 31st of August starting from 7:30am. We will then celebrate a Liturgy starting at 9:10am where we will celebrate with joyful love and gratitude our fathers, our grandfathers, all who are like fathers to us and especially God's love for us all. The Liturgy will be followed by an assembly and all are welcome to attend and enjoy what is sure to be a beautiful morning.
Yours in Partnership,
Mrs Sonya Piccoli
Assistant Principal-Mission and Additional Needs